HIV / Aids

What are the different strains?

HIV Type 2: Found mostly in West Africa. This is generally regarded as being less easily transmitted and the period between initial infection and illness is considered longer.

Within the different strains there are also different Clades. This is important when it comes to things like vaccines as it is unlikely that a vaccine will prevent infection for all types and Clades. In Southern Africa the most common Clade is C, and most of the vaccine development is being done on this Clade.